Dudek has kept two consecutive clean sheets and feels the defence is playing well enough to keep the Londoners' strikeforce at bay.

"I haven't had a lot to do in the last two games, but sometimes that means you have to concentrate a lot more," said Dudek today.

"It can be harder when you have less to do and then you're needed for a crucial moment.

"You might think I'll have more to do against Chelsea, but why? If we play like we have been doing at the back, where we've been very comfortable in the last few weeks, we can do very well.

"It will be better for the side if I don't have a lot to do against Chelsea, buta clean sheet will be very important in the next game.

"I look forward to these kinds of matches against these top sides. Chelsea look very strong and we know it will be a tough game, but we've beaten Arsenal this season and I hope we can repeat that against Chelsea now.

"We'll have to concentrate because we want to keep our current form not just for the next game, but until the end of the season."

Dudek has also spoken of his pride at reaching a personal milestone against Southampton in midweek.

He said: "I'm very proud to have made 150 appearances for Liverpool. I only realised it when I read the programme on Tuesday, so it was a very special day to me.

"I'm very happy that I can come from such a small place in Poland to play so many games for Liverpool."

. Saint Etienne are believed to be ready to end Anthony Le Tallec's loan spell early following an unsuccessful return to France.

Rafa Benitez isn't in a hurry for Le Tallec to return to England, although further injuries could force him intoa rethink.

Vladimir Smicer will return to full training within the next two weeks and could be playing again by the end of January.

Both Milan Baros and Steve Finnan are expected to be fit for Chelsea's visit.